Rocky Marciano vs. Max Baer

But only with the right hand. Baer's left was ordinary at best. Against Rocky a powerful left jab would come in handy, dontcha think? Also a good uppercut. I need to be convinced that Baer had the right tools.

 

You won't be getting the Baer from the Louis fight unless he's fighting Louis. Joe in his prime was easily superior to Marciano. That Joe Louis was the greatest heavyweight fighting machine in human history.

 

I've got to go with Rocky just based on the fact that Baer could lack focus and be underwhelming, unlike Rocky.

 

I agree. Baer was the prototype of Deontay Wilder: an awkward and crude big hitter who relied heavily on his big looping right hand but didn't have much else. Without a consistent jab or uppercut, I'm not sure if Baer can actually get to Rocky. Sure, he has a hell of a puncher's chance and is bigger/stronger than all of Rocky's opponents, but he's fighting fire with fire.

It's also worth pointing out Baer has terrible defense and could be pretty inaccurate and sloppy. He wouldn't be using lateral movement or backing up. He'd probably just willingly stand there to trade, or tries to impose his will on Rocky on the front foot. Baer lacks the clinching skills to frustrate and control the smaller man too. Other than Baer's right hand and size, the only other things that make this competitive are his chin and body shots. Rocky has him beat in volume, a wider variety of punches, stamina, and dare I say technique. So long as Rocky doesn't take too many right hands to the face, he should be able to grind out a very difficult win more often than not.